Britain has recorded its highest level of daily coronavirus infections since 13 February, according to the latest government data, with a further 11,625 Covid-19 cases confirmed on Tuesday.
It comes as the number of people in hospital with Covid in the UK is reported to have risen to its highest level for nearly two months, with a total of 1,378 patients shown to be in hospitals on 20 June. This is up 21 per cent from the previous week, and is the highest since 29 April, according to the latest figures.
However, despite concerns about the ongoing spread of the Delta variant, first identified in India, health secretary Matt Hancock said earlier lockdown restrictions are unlikely to extend beyond 19 July in England as early data looks “encouraging”.
Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed a three-week delay to the easing of coronavirus restrictions across Scotland, as she said no part of the country will change level next week. She said the Scottish government’s assessment is currently that it will be “possible and proportionate” to remove remaining restrictions on 9 August.
